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PODCAST

Earth Matters

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

society & culture natural sciences

All Episodes

29:06

Can We Drill and Still Go Green?

Earth Matters ·

2025/06/11

Malaysia has made big promises on climate — from net-zero by 2050 to supporting clean energy. But are we walking the talk? A just-released report from environmental think-tank RimbaWatch and independent research organisation the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) suggests otherwise, revealing that our fossil fuel plans could lock in emissions equivalent to those of India in a single year. We speak to Adam Farhan, the Director of RimbaWatch and a co-author of the report, about the

en-US

44:00

Fireflies, Forests, and the Fight to Protect Them

Earth Matters ·

2025/06/09

When it comes to protecting Malaysia’s natural heritage, sometimes it’s the smallest creatures that spark the biggest movements. In Sungai Sepetang, fireflies are uniting communities, scientists, and storytellers alike. This was captured in Macaranga's latest publication, titled: It Takes a Village to Keep Fireflies Flashing. We chat with the article's writer Liani MK, and Sonny Wong, a member of the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group, who is also currently the Honorary Secretary of the Fireflyers

en-US

47:43

Monkey Neighbours: Coexisting With Malaysia’s Macaques

Earth Matters ·

2025/06/04

As urban areas expand and forests shrink, humans and macaques are increasingly crossing paths - but not always peacefully. What can we do to reduce negative interactions, and promote harmony with our wild neighbours? Dr Nadine Ruppert (Vice-President of the Malaysian Primatological Society, and an associate professor at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Dr Sharmini Julita Paramasivam (veterinarian, Associate Professor at the University Of Surrey, and the Founder &

en-US

43:50

Temoq OA Consent Judgment: Progress or Compromise?

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/28

The recent settlement between the Temoq Orang Asli and a major oil palm company is being called a breakthrough for indigenous land rights in Malaysia. But while it’s a step forward in court, it’s not the end of the story. What was gained, what was lost, and what’s next? To help us unpack this complex case, we’re joined by Dr Lim Teckwyn Lim, who was an environmental expert witness on the case, and Kamilia Rozlan, who was the community liason on the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

19:24

Macaranga Wrap-Up: May 2025

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/26

It’s been a busy month for environmental news in Malaysia, from courtrooms to highland roads and wildlife crossings. In this roundup with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga - Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn - we’re taking a closer look at three major stories that grabbed headlines in May: a key court decision involving Bukit Cherakah forest reserve, a controversial road project planned for Cameron Highlands, and the tragic death of an elephant calf that once again raises

en-US

31:03

Nature Reads: Sen’oi Serog

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/25

We're kicking off a new series on Earth Matters, Nature Reads, a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at independent bookstore Sunda Shelves, and in this first episode, we explore the storybook called Sen’oi Serog, published by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre. It’s a rich, collaborative work inspired by the oral traditions and ecological wisdom of the Temiar people

en-US

37:29

The Otter Side of Nature

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/21

Otters are more than just cute faces, they are top predators in the wetland food chain and guardians of ecosystem balance. Ahead of World Otters Day, the Malaysia Otter Network and Rimbun Dahan are teaming up to shine a light on these remarkable mammals through a day of engaging activities for all ages. We speak with wildlife biologist Woo Chee Yoong and Rimbun Dahan’s Bilqis Hijjas about the event and the broader mission to protect Malaysia’s wetlands and their wild inhabitants.Image Credit:

en-US

40:41

Heatwave Hits Malaysia’s Coral Reefs Hard

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/19

In 2024, Malaysia experienced its most devastating coral bleaching event on record, with more than half of the country's corals turning ghostly white under extreme ocean heat. It was part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, a stark reminder of how climate change is rapidly reshaping our seas. To understand what this means for our reefs, marine life, and coastal communities, we speak with coral reef ecologists Sebastian Szereday (Co-founder, Coralku) and Alvin Chelliah (Chief Programme

en-US

44:57

Malaysia’s Songbird Craze and Crisis

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/14

Songbird competitions are a cherished tradition across Malaysia, but behind the melodic chirps and prized trophies lies a booming - and troubling - trade. Recent investigations have revealed how demand for birds like the Oriental Magpie-robin and Red-whiskered Bulbul is pushing wild populations to the brink, all while legal protections lag behind. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest two-part series on songbirds, and we speak with the researchers and journalists behind this story - Low Choon

en-US

39:05

Where Wild Things Roam: Conservation in Borneo

Earth Matters ·

2025/05/05

Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but protecting its incredible wildlife is no easy task. Shavez Cheema, founder of 1StopBorneo Wildlife, has dedicated his life to doing just that, blending education, community work, and tourism to create real conservation impact. He joins us to talk about his work in conservation, his brand-new, free Borneo Nature Travel Guide, and why we need to rethink the way we approach nature tourism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

45:05

The Problem with TNFD Disclosures Explained

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/30

As biodiversity loss accelerates, there’s a growing push to get financial institutions to take responsibility. In Malaysia, Bank Negara has announced plans to adopt nature-related risk assessments inspired by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures or TNFD, which is a global initiative that provides a framework for companies and financial institutions to report and manage nature-related risks and impacts. But how effective — or even fair — is this framework? Shona Hawkes, a Senior

en-US

22:21

Macaranga Wrap-Up: April 2025

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/28

It's our fourth round-up of environmental news for 2025, with the good folks from environmental journalism portal Macaranga. Co-founders Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua join us to look back at news from April 2025, first focussing on the troubling news about beheadings of Bornean pygmy elephants in Sabah, and the possible reasons behind these gruesome killings. Next we dissect the dispute between YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Temoq Orang Asli community in Pahang, which recently ended with what is being

en-US

33:58

Saving Seagrass: Sustaining Coastal Livelihoods

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/23

Gonggong, sea cucumbers, and carpet anemones—just some of the treasures gleaned from Johor’s seagrass meadows. Seagrass meadows are often overlooked in conservation plans, yet for coastal communities in Johor, they’re essential. In this second episode of our two-part series on seagrass, we want to explore the connection between seagrass meadows and small-scale fishing communities in Johor with Associate Professor Dr Jillian Ooi, a marine ecologist from the University of Malaya. Dr Jillian is the

en-US

35:13

Saving Seagrass: Protection Over Planting

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/21

You’ve probably heard about saving coral reefs and planting mangroves, but what about seagrass? These underwater meadows are quietly holding up our coasts and climate, but we’re losing them fast - at about two football fields every hour, globally. In the first of a two part series on seagrass, we speak to marine ecologist Associate Professor Dr. Jillian Ooi, to help us understand seagrass better, why protecting existing seagrass is far more effective than replanting, and what’s at stake if we don’t

en-US

36:56

Malaysia’s EFT Scheme: What’s Working, What’s Not

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/16

Malaysia’s forests and ecosystems are critical to both our natural heritage and climate goals — and yet, managing them often falls to state governments with limited resources and incentives. That’s where the Ecological Fiscal Transfer, or EFT, comes in: a federal funding mechanism designed to reward states for protecting their natural assets. But how well is it working, and what could make it stronger? To explore these questions, we speak to Samantha Ho, a regional correspondent with media company

en-US

35:27

Justice Delayed for Bukit Cherakah Forest

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/14

It’s a classic David versus Goliath story: two environmental NGOs taking on the state government to protect Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve — only to be held back by a judicial delay that’s lasted over a year. Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka) and the Shah Alam Community Forest Society (SACF) say the system is failing them, and the forest, with legal processes moving far too slowly to keep pace with the chainsaws. We hear from Alicia Teoh, (Founder and Secretary, Shah Alam Community Forest

en-US

34:29

Global Clean Energy Hits 40%, ASEAN Lags Behind

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/09

A new report from energy think tank Ember reveals a global clean energy milestone: low-carbon sources supplied 40.9% of the world’s electricity in 2024, driven by record-breaking growth in solar power. In contrast, ASEAN generated just 26% of its electricity from clean sources, and clean generation in the region is no longer keeping pace with demand. With massive solar and wind potential still largely untapped, experts say the region is well-positioned to accelerate its clean energy transition — if

en-US

41:57

Bukit Kiara’s Bountiful Biodiversity

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/07

Bukit Kiara is one of the Klang Valley’s last remaining green lungs, a beloved patch of forest that offers a daily dose of nature to thousands of urban dwellers. But beyond its walking trails and morning joggers lies an ecosystem teeming with life — that is also under threat. We speak with Professor Darryl Jones, an urban ecologist and bird expert from the Centre for Planetary Health & Food Security, at the School of Environment & Science, Griffith University, and Dr. Kriban G. Naidu, the

en-US

37:16

Sabah’s Bold Plan to Save Sun Bears

Earth Matters ·

2025/04/02

Sabah has introduced its first-ever 10-year Bornean Sun Bear Action Plan (2025–2034) to tackle the pressing threats facing the species, which is classified as vulnerable to extinction. Developed through extensive consultation, the plan focuses on habitat protection, stronger law enforcement, population monitoring, and public awareness. We catch up with Dr. Wong Siew Te, a wildlife biologist, tropical forest ecologist, and the CEO and Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), to

en-US

30:39

How Wildlife Traffickers Exploit Malaysia’s Airports

Earth Matters ·

2025/03/26

Malaysia’s airports have become hotspots for wildlife trafficking, with thousands of animals smuggled through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in just the last few months. Endangered primates, turtles, reptiles, and even bats have been packed into luggage and flown out of the country, often only intercepted at other airports outside the country. What’s allowing this illegal trade to thrive, and what needs to be done to stop it? We speak to Kanitha Krishnasamy, the Director of TRAFFIC

en-US

925 results

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